To satisfy a creative urge and to overcome the scarcity of reasonably priced ikebana containers, Jean O'Connor began to make her own containers about five years ago. Today she is an accomplished floral designer whose handsome containers accent the materials she uses for ikebana. She has worked in floral design for more than 25 years. Her program will present many of these vessels and she will explain how she constructs them.

Mrs. O'Connor studied ikebana with Shuko Kobayashi, an acclaimed teacher of Sogetsu ikebana. For many years she has been an active member of the Sacramento Arrangers Guild.and frequently exhibits in flower shows, gives demonstrations and workshops to garden clubs, arrangers guilds, and other community organizations. Her handmade containers are an essential feature in her work. One of Jean's designs will be included in the "2007 Vision of Beauty" calendar.